MPs, Ministers refuse luxury vehicles due to low fuel efficiency: Speaker

2 December 2024 07:52 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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Colombo, December 2 (Daily Mirror) - Claiming that there is a large fleet of unused luxury vehicles, Speaker Dr. Shoka Ranwala said yesterday most MPs and Ministers refuse to use luxury vehicles due to their low fuel efficiency.

He told reporters during a function at Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies that luxury vehicles with poor fuel efficiency are unsuitable for Sri Lanka.

Responding to a question, the Speaker said no MP has requested for luxury vehicles through Parliament so far.

“There is a large fleet of luxury vehicles in parks without being used because they are not fuel efficient and not suitable for this country. Most MPs and Ministers refuse to use those vehicles. There are so many vehicles assigned for the Speaker also. We do not use any of those as yet because of their high fuel consumption,” he said.

The Speaker said all government and opposition MPs and Ministers have to make a sacrifice according to the people’s aspirations.

When asked whether those vehicles could be sold out, he said it is a national level decision to auction those luxury vehicles.

Speaker Ranwala said the Ministers have not requested for official residences adding that residences owned by the government will be used for public matters and not for Minister’s personal use.

“It is the duty of the government to maintain the residences owned by the government,” he said.

Comments - 4

BnW Monday, 02 December 2024 08:59 AM

Before making the final decision, calculate the fuel usage of these fuel guzzling vehicles with cost of importing fuel efficient vehicles. Perhaps, it may still be cost effective to use what's in hand. Also, if and when vehicle imports are allowed, relook at the engine cc based duty vs certified invoice value method. Otherwise 1000cc branded vehicles and Indian made Marutis carry the same duty.

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Peter Barter Monday, 02 December 2024 09:04 AM

If this government is serious about its commitment to the people, these vehicles should be sold privately and the proceeds put in treasury. Ministers should not expect free housing. I have noticed it’s the wealthier people here that are in Parliament and she’s and their families should have their own funded housing. The government needs to make good on its promise of eliminating corruption and go after all the previous ministers, especially the entire Rajapaksa family, including a mail. Their assets should be frozen and confiscated. Gotabaya

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Peter Barter Monday, 02 December 2024 09:10 AM

These expensive luxury vehicles need to be sold and the proceeds put back into the treasury. No ministers should expect free housing as politicians they should already own a residential home. The government needs to make good on its promises and go after the former corrupt Rajapaksa regime and freeze and strip all assets, including housing, cars and bank accounts. The country will not progress otherwise.

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Roshanaly Monday, 02 December 2024 09:42 AM

Did opposition MPs also refused the use of Luxury vehicles?

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